Judge Allows Suspect's Comments

JAMES CITY — A Williamsburg-James City County judge rejected a defense attorney's motion Thursday to bar incriminating statements Shawn Joyner made to investigators from his upcoming robbery and abduction trial this month.

Joyner, 31, is charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of abduction and one count of wearing a mask in public in connection with a May 24, 2007, home invasion and beating of an elderly Williamsburg couple. He pleaded not guilty to those charges Thursday.

During the attack on Mimosa Drive, a masked intruder threatened the 80-year-old man and his 82-year-old wife with a knife, bound them, beat them, and stole jewelry and other valuables. He ripped the phones from the wall before leaving. The couple freed themselves and went to a neighbor's to call police. The couple suffered bruises and cuts on their faces and bodies.

Williamsburg police investigators testified Thursday that Joyner was read his Miranda rights and seemed remorseful - but completely lucid - during an hour-long interrogation in August 2007. Joyner testified Thursday that he had been smoking crack for the first time shortly before his arrest, and that he was tired, depressed and thinking about suicide when he made statements about the case.

Circuit Judge Samuel Powell ruled that the statements were knowingly and voluntarily made, and therefore admissible at trial. Joyner is scheduled for trial Feb. 20.